Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 99 Part 1.djvu/541

Public Law 99-125 99th Congress Joint Resolution To designate the month of November 1985 as "National Hospice Month".

Whereas hospice care has been demonstrated to be a humanitarian way for terminally ill patients to approach the end of their lives in comfort with appropriate, competent, and compassionate care in an environment of personal individuality and dignity; Whereas the hospice concept of care advocates care of the patient and family by attending to their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, and specifically the pain and grief they experience; Whereas hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, soci^ workers, pharmacists, psychological and spiritual counselors, and other community volunteers trained in the hospice concept of care; Whereas hospice care is rapidly becoming a full partner in the Nation's health care system; Whereas the recent enactment of the medicare hospice benefit makes it possible for many more elderly Americans to have the opportunity to elect to receive hospice care; Whereas private insurance carriers and employers have recognized the value of hospice care by the inclusion of hospice benefits in health care coverage packages; and Whereas there remains a great need to increase public awareness of the benefits of hospice care: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That the month of November 1985 is designated "National Hospice Month". SEC. 2. The President is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon all Government agencies, the health care community, appropriate private organizations, and the people of the United States to observe such month with appropriate forums, programs, and activities designed to encourage national recognition of and support for hospice care as a humane response to the needs of the terminally ill and a viable component of the health care system in this country. Approved October 18, 1985.